Table 2.

Summary Findings of the Association of Continuity With Cost and Use Outcomes (N = 160 Outcomes)

Outcome CategoryNo. of
Outcomes
Association of Continuity With Outcome
PositiveaNegativeNone or Conflicting
Cost  18141  3
Use14295443
Hospitalization  5738118
    ASCS  20141  5
    All cause  27200  7
    Other  10  40  6
ED use  43351  7
Desirable useb  15  71  7
Undesirable usec  12  80  4
Primary care used  15  70  8
  • ACSC = ambulatory care–sensitive conditions; ART = antiretroviral therapy; CRC = colorectal cancer; CT = computed tomography; ED = emergency department; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; ICU = intensive care unit; LDL = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LVF = left ventricular function; TB = tuberculosis.

  • a Greater continuity was associated with lower costs or with better use outcome (more use of desirable health care services or less use of undesirable health care services).

  • b Guideline-concordant receipt of vaccinations; lead, anemia, and TB screening; prescription drug use; HbA1c screening; annual LDL screening; annual nephropathy screening; annual serum creatine screening; annual LVF test for patients with heart failure; breast, cervical, CRC, and prostate cancer screening; chlamydia screening; recognition of chronic disease; HIV ART adherence; medication/statin adherence; receipt of medical advice about child nutrition, development, and dental health; primary care follow-up within 30 days of inpatient stay.

  • c CT scan of brain, chest radiograph, and urinalysis; total inpatient and outpatient days; duplicated medication (being prescribed drugs in the same pharmacotherapeutic subgroups by separate physicians with overlapping prescription days); use and overuse of various medical procedures; antibiotic prescriptions; ICU use.

  • d Frequency, number, and type (eg, routine well care) of visits to primary care.